American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) is the largest specialty organization exclusively representing dermatologic surgeons. Dermatologic surgeons are experts in skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. As the incidence of skin cancer rises, dermatologic surgeons are committed to taking steps to minimize the life-threatening effects of this disease.

American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association (ASDSA) is the advocacy and education arm of ASDS. In 2013, the ASDSA issued a Position on Sunscreen Use in Schools that has evolved into the SUNucate initiative. Model legislation was created that ensures children are protected from dangerous sun exposure at school and camp and was immensely successful in its inaugural year with 14 states passing legislation based on the model. There are several states at this writing that have legislation in the pipeline, including Massachusetts. Indiana became the first state to pass SUNucate legislation in 2018.

Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation (CMPF) developed a relationship with ASDSA as mutual participants at the annual Capitol Hill Skin Screening and Health Fair. In 2017, CMPF became an early supporter of the SUNucate model legislation. Maura Flynn introduced the legislation to the Massachusetts’s legislature with the support of State Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Patrick O’Connor. There are two additional bills that were previously filed by Senator Julian Cyr and Representative Sarah Peake that are not as inclusive. CMPF staff met with the staffs for the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Education to discuss the possibility of perhaps modifying and merging the bills. Until the committee reports a bill out favorably, it will not make it to the floor for a vote. No action has been taken to date. CMPF will continue to monitor. Updates of SUNucate’s progress around the nation are provided on a regular basis by ASDSA.